The Design

The idea for this design came from the warm glow of a sauna interior with streaks of light beaming through the bench. The soft yellow light complements the baltic birch veneer to create a visually striking piece that is visually light and naturalistic. In addition to being a functional table top lamp, it also acts an art piece by scattering subtle strips of light on the surrounding walls. 

This design is an ongoing personal project and looks to embody the idea of brining nature into the home, while still maintaining a modern aesthetic. The Strips are cut from a single piece of veneer and assembled in the same order, this allows the natural grain pattern of the wood to be found on the lamp. In addition to this, the projection found on the walls when the lamp is illuminated gives the impression of being in a forest surrounded by trees while sitting in front of a small fire. 

This products consists of 16 thin cut strips that are assembled around 5 halos of two different sizes allowing for the strips to bend in and out. Since the original prototype in 2019, it took me two years to finalize the design as it was created with the intention of being flat packed and laser cut for easy production and distribution. All components are laser cut, and the strips are assembled onto the halos with just a touch of glue. 

Fabrication 

This piece is fabricated from 100% baltic birch 3 ply veneer. Made from 16 individual strips and 5 halos. The simple laser cut form makes for easy production and assembly.  The materials of this piece make for an extremely durable and light product that is visually appealing and comforting. 

After receiving the components from the laser cutter, this lamps can be assembled from start to finish in a under and hour. 

Process

After the creation of the original form I created many prototypes of this lamp ranging in size, shape and material. After a final prototype was developed with exact measurements and curves, it was then brought into Rhino 3D to finalize the design. 

In Rhino 6 I worked with a few different dimensions that worked best for the laser cutting capabilities, This included changing the sizes and depth of the inserts that would hold all the strips. In this process I also had take into consideration material thickness, as some components would undergo more stress than others. 

Finally a final file was developed in order to be able to print them rapidly for possible production. 

These are the three competencies that I felt were most represented in this project. 

Firstly, this was a self directed project that I created on my own time with the purpose of having a portfolio piece. This required me to be motivated to conceptualize, develop and manufacture the product with my own skills and knowledge. My motivation is still driving me with this project, as I plan to continue to develop it to make the process simpler and more efficient. 

Secondly, this project heavily revolved around my context of design. The idea for this lamp was very much influenced by my Finnish background and the ideals that are often associated with it. I was able to use influence from my culture while still having an overall understanding of how this project would fare on a large scale. 

Thirdly, throughout this process I placed a heavy emphasis on my ability to be creative. This driving creativity is what led me to think of this novel idea and capitalize on it. My creative skills also played a part in the general form and development of this, while also influencing how it could be produced, assembled and packaged.